Climbing hold

ABSTRACT

A crack climbing unit is provided and comprises a body having an inwardly facing jamming surface. The surface is provided with a compliant liner.

The present invention relates generally to climbing and particularly,although not exclusively, to climbing holds for climbing walls.

Climbing walls are artificial structures originally built to enable rockclimbers to train and continue climbing through the wet and cold wintermonths or in areas where outdoor climbing was difficult to access. Morerecently climbing walls have become extremely popular and used as arecreational physical activity and as a competitive sport.

Climbing walls are often provided with climbing holds— shaped gripswhich can be attached to a wall and arranged in a path (known as a“route”). A variety of types of grips are known, including jugs,slopers, pockets, pinches and edges. Volumes are a large type of holdupon which other holds can be mounted. Volumes are often formed ashollow plywood or resin holds (for example triangular or rounded).

Crack climbing is a type of rock climbing in which the climber follows acrack. Fundamental to crack climbing is “jamming”. Jamming meansinserting a finger hand, foot or limb into a crack and expanding ortorquing them to create a secure hold.

Jamming can be difficult, but it is often the only way to climb a crack.With practice, however, technique can improve.

An aspect of the present invention provides a crack climbing systemcomprising separate first and second parts each including an innerjamming surface, the parts are arrangeable with the inner jammingsurface opposed to define a desired crack width.

The crack climbing system of the present invention can be used as partof a climbing wall structure (indoor or outdoor) and to produce aclimbing route including one or more crack holds. Multiple parts could,for example, be placed together to form a longer crack.

The first and/or second part may be formed from a fibreglass material.

The first and/or second part may be formed from wood.

Jamming can be painful and this can be off-putting.

In some embodiments the jamming surface is compliant. For example thejamming surface may be provided with a deformable covering.

The deformable covering may be formed separately from and may beattachable to the jamming surface.

The covering may be bonded to the part. Alternatively the covering maybe removably attachable to the part.

In some embodiments the deformable covering is textured. For example thedeformable covering may provide an undulating inner jamming surface.

Below are some details and characteristics of some materials that couldbe used to mould into a desired “soft grip” material, which could, forexample, be formed as a wave shape.

The letters and number afterwards represent the hardness of softness ofeach material. the higher the number the harder the material, and thelower the number the softer the material. Some embodiments could forexample, have EPDM 80 which would be quite hard, or the same material,EPDM, at 30 which would be much softer.

1. EPDM—90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30

2. Shore Natural—Z90, Z80, Z70, Z60, Z50, Z40, Z30

3. Shore Neoprene—C90 C80, C70, C60, C50, C40, C30

4. Shore Polyurethane Poly—95, 85, 75, 65, 55, 45, 35

Crack volumes with different hardnesses and softnesses may be provideddepending on how the volumes will be used and by who.

Examples of uses and characteristics:

‘Harder’ Soft Grip:

-   -   used by more experienced climbers who want to replicate        something closer to rock but still have comfort    -   used in horizontal climbing (if soft grip is too soft on        horizontal jamming, it can make the climbing more difficult)    -   used if the customer is going to use Crack Gloves or Tape on        their hands to protect themselves    -   used when more difficult jamming moves want to be incorporated        in boulder problems or routes. on difficult moves it's important        that there isn't too much ‘give’ in the soft grip as this will        disrupt the move they are trying to make    -   used in finger sized cracks; the grip needs to be harder in        finger cracks as if there is too much give in the soft grip the        fingers can slide straight through

‘Softer’ Soft Grip:

-   -   used by beginner climbers as it is more comfortable and friendly        as they learn the techniques    -   used on lower angled terrain as you can put more weight on the        feet, so the ‘give’ in the soft grip becomes less of a problem        for the hands    -   used if the customer is not going to use tape or crack gloves on        their hands. A soft material will not hurt the hand as much.    -   used in competition climbing, where its important that        competitors do not start bleeding through jamming    -   used when ‘give’ in the jam, is less detrimental i.e. when hand        jamming. Hand jamming has a lot of range of expansion so a bit        of give does not affect the quality so much, whereas ‘give’ in a        finger jam will make the whole jam slip through the crack.

Hold parts (e.g. halves) may comprise a base part and a liner/coveringpart (which may be formed from different materials). The liner may beattached e.g. by bonding to the base. In some embodiments, for example aliner material is bonded to an underlying fibreglass base using acompatible glue/adhesive.

The parts may comprise a generally flat jamming surface and an inclinedback.

The parts may include a flange for fixing to a climbing wall (e.g. usingscrew fixings).

Each part may comprise an end cap. For example separate end caps may beprovided. The end caps may be sloping.

The present invention also provides a two-piece adjustable crackclimbing system comprising separate first and second parts eachincluding an inner jamming surface, the parts are arrangeable with theinner jamming surface opposed to define a crack width.

The present invention also provides a preformed crack climbing holdcomprising a moulded fibreglass body and a moulded soft grip bonded ontothe body.

The present invention also provides a crack climbing unit comprising abody having an inwardly facing jamming surface, the surface beingprovided with a compliant liner.

The body may, for example, be formed from fibreglass. Other embodimentsmay be formed, for example, from wood, metal, or plastics material.

The unit may be generally wedge shape in section.

The unit may comprise a fixing flange.

The liner may comprise a rippled or corrugated inner face.

A further aspect provides a climbing crack system comprising: one ormore central sections, the or each central section comprising separatefirst and second central parts each including an inner jamming surface,the central parts are arrangeable with the inner jamming surfaceopposed; a first end cap section comprising separate first and secondend cap parts each including an inner jamming surface; and a second endcap section comprising separate first and second end cap parts eachincluding an inner jamming surface.

The present invention also provides a climbing wall provided with asystem or hold as described herein.

The present invention also provides a liner for a crack hold, the linerbeing compliant and having a generally undulating jamming surface.

The surface may be textured. The surface may be corrugated/rippled.

The liner may be formed separately from, and be attachable to, a holde.g. by bonding.

Also provided is a crack climbing plate which is fixed or fixable to acrack volume and comprises or can receive a sheet of compliant material.The plate may, for example comprise a frame with fixing holes.

The present invention also provides a crack hold having a liner or plateas described herein.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be usedseparately or together.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention areset out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Featuresof the dependent claims may be combined with the features of theindependent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than thoseexplicitly set out in the claims. Each aspect can be carried outindependently of the other aspects or in combination with one or more ofthe other aspects.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a simple, lightweight, two-piece adjustable cracksystem;

FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate a crack hold formed according to a furtherembodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of a hold;

FIG. 10 illustrates the option to mix holds and/or hold halves with andwithout soft grip;

FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate a hold formed in accordance with a furtherembodiment.

FIGS. 15 to 18 show “jam plates” formed in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a sheet of soft grip material for one or moreframes;

FIG. 20 shows a middle volume unit formed according to a furtherembodiment;

FIG. 21 shows an end cap unit 650 formed according to a furtherembodiment;

FIGS. 23 and 24 show a finger lock unit embodiment;

FIGS. 25 and 26 show an end cap suitable for use with the finger lock ofFIGS. 23 and 24.

FIG. 27A shows a crack volume system comprising volume units that can beused separately, singularly or together.

FIG. 27B shows a left unit of a crack volume system;

FIG. 27C shows a right unit of a crack volume system;

FIG. 27D show a centre unit of a crack volume system; and

FIG. 27E shows a crack volume system with a fibreglass body and softgrip inner.

The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enablethose of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systemsand processes herein described. It is important to understand thatembodiments can be provided in many alternative forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and takeon various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown inthe drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is nointent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope ofthe appended claims should be included. Elements of the exampleembodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numeralsthroughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. Itwill be further understood that terms in common usage should also beinterpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealisedor overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper,lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings andshould not be interpreted as limiting on the invention.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a simple, lightweight, two-piece adjustable cracksystem 10, suitable for home use or training areas within climbing gyms.The two units 15, 20 can be used separately or together. Each unit hasan inside jamming surface 16, 21.

It can, for example, be used as a single unit for crack specificexercises and dialling in technique or multiple units can be addedtogether to do full boulder problems and circuits.

In this embodiment the product comes in a flat packed style which iseasily assembled and installed by the user.

In this embodiment a pack is provided and contains:

2×crack trainer halves (24 Screw cups, 48 screws, 2 Base Plates, 4Uprights, 2 Crack Walls, 4 End Caps, 2 Gripper Bars).

1×Glue

1×Assembly instruction card

1×Training card

Example Dimensions—Length 800 mm×height 180 mm×width 115 mm

In this embodiment the wood is cut on a CNC machine.

All edges and features aside from the crack are rounded for comfort andcan be held, stood on and used as other options, to help diversify theclimbing and make exercises harder or easier.

The jamming area is plain wood, for example plywood, which provides aslick jamming feel.

The crack trainer apparatus has two halves which can be set at a desiredwidth.

Below are some example widths:

1-1.5 inch=thin hand size

1.5-2 inch=tight hand size

2-2.5 inch=hand size

2.5-3.5 inch=baggy and cupped hand size

3.5-4 inch=first size

4-5 inch=stacked hand size

The crack trainer apparatus can be used for all abilities, from thosejust starting out wanting to purely practice technique, to those whohave been jamming for years, but want to do some jam specific trainingexercises.

FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate a crack hold formed according to a furtherembodiment.

The crack hold is similar to the hold of FIGS. 1 to 4. In thisembodiment, however, a soft grip liner/covering 130 is provided and canbe installed onto the inside jamming surface within the assemblyprocess, plus easily removed/replaced at a later date if worn. In thisembodiment a 1.5 m length of soft grip material is provided.

An exploded view of the hold is shown in FIG. 9.

The soft grip material provides a grippy and comfortable crack feel.This option is good for endurance and power endurance workouts, as wellas working on technique.

The soft grip 130 has a pre-adhesive backer in this embodiment.

It is possible to mix holds and/or hold halves with and without softgrip, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

Having both options lets the user tailor their training and climbingsessions to the intensity required, enabling them to dial in techniqueand get stronger quicker.

FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate a hold formed in accordance with a furtherembodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a unit 215, which in this embodiment is formed as amoulded crack module. In this embodiment the unit is formed from afibreglass material (e.g. polyethylene or polyurethane based).

The unit is designed with one flat (e.g. generally vertical and/or atapproximately orthogonal to an underlying wall) face 216 that can beused to jam against. The unit has an angled back 217—an approximately 45degree (for example) slope off the backside of the jamming edge. Alongitudinal flange 218 a, 218 b is provided along each side.

There is a rounded top edge 219 of the crack module (for comfort).

In this embodiment the top edge of the crack has rough texture builtinto the mould to provide friction. All other fibreglass areas aresmooth to prevent gaining friction, forcing people to jam.

The unit has flat ends so they can be stacked together to form a longercrack. Top and bottom edges may be left free to enable stacking.Different shapes may be produced, for example embodiments which havetapered ends.

Flanges are provided for fixing to the wall on the outside and insideedges of the volumes. Screw fixings may be used for wall attachment.

The fibreglass unit may be made in a mould and bought as a whole unit.

Two separate units can be used make up a crack, a left and a right.

Two separate end caps can be used to make up sloping crack ends: a left240 (FIG. 12); and right 250 (FIG. 13).

The hold can, for example, be used on a climbing wall structure, home orcommercial. It could be used as a jamming crack or a single unit (like anormal climbing volume would be).

The crack can be set at any maximum width; this is down to the routesetter.

In this embodiment a minimum width is determined by the inside flangeprotruding from the crack face.

FIG. 14 shows a soft grip material sheet 360 formed in accordance withthe present invention. An upper (inner jamming) surface is provided withlaterally extending corrugations 361.

In this embodiment the material is moulded into a required shape andtexture.

A specific glue may be used for bonding soft grip to a fibreglass unit,for example.

In this embodiment the soft grip is provided with a 3D pattern designedto grip the hand. A moulded wave pattern is provided; in this embodimentmeasured so depth and length coincides with the knuckles and fingertipsof climbers hands. Texture on the soft grip helps provide friction.

The soft grip can be inset into the volume to help protect from wear.

The soft grip material could be used as a separate product i.e. someonecould potentially buy it and use it in their own cracks.

Soft Grip Pro (SGP) inner jamming surface. SGP is a materialspecifically shaped and designed for a more comfortable jammingexperience. The density is soft to prevent pressure wounds and finelytextured to give grip whilst climbing yet won't burn or rip your handsif slipping. The surface is ergonomically shaped to fit the climber'sknuckles and fingers in all the different jamming positions. SGP enablesthe climber to climb freely without having to use tape or gloves.

FIGS. 15 to 18 show “jam plates” formed in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 shows a 22 degree jam plate 465. Detail A shows a 2 mm deepcounterbore that would accommodate a screw cup/washer. Section B-B Showsa solid piece of material throughout the plate.

The plates comprise generally rectangular frames with fixing holes sothat they can be fixed to a crack volume.

FIG. 16 shows a 22 degree jam plate (hollow) 470. Section A-A Shows thethin ‘shelled’ construction throughout the plate. Detail B shows aclose-up the more complex geometry around the screw holes.

The frames can receive a sheet of soft grip material 560, for example asshown in FIG. 19.

The frame may be hollow or may include a back plate against which thesheet is received.

FIG. 20 shows a middle volume unit 515 formed according to a furtherembodiment.

FIG. 21 shows an end cap unit 650 formed according to a furtherembodiment.

FIG. 22 shows a smaller finger crack volume design. The volume unit 740shown has a generally triangular/wedge-shape with an inclinedupper-outer face 741 that terminates with a curved “nose” 742 from whichan interior face 743 depends that includes a groove/notch/recess 744.The groove/notch/recess is configured/adapted to receive a liner.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show a finger lock unit 880 embodiment. A nose part 842is included; a liner can be fitted beneath the nose.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show an end cap 990 suitable for use with the fingerlock of FIGS. 23 and 24.

FIG. 27A shows a crack volume system comprising volume units that can beused separately, singularly or together.

FIG. 27B—Crack Left 1095 a, 1095 b (e.g. 40 cm)

A unit used to cap the end of a crack or create small jamming sectionswithin routes and boulders. Shaped fibreglass body for comfort on thefeet and a modern look. Slick outer surface to encourage jamming.Individual unit enables the setter freedom to set at desired width andwith other holds, volumes or wall features. Minimum width tight hands.Maximum width unlimited.

FIG. 27C—Crack Right 1096 a, 1096 b (e.g. 40 cm) A unit used to cap theend of a crack or create small jamming sections within routes andboulders. Single flat end enables other units to be stacked against it.Shaped fibreglass body for comfort on the feet and a modern look. Slickouter surface to encourage jamming. Individual unit enables the setterfreedom to set at desired width and with other holds, volumes or wallfeatures. Minimum width tight hands. Maximum width unlimited.

FIG. 27D—Crack Centre 1097 a, 1097 b (e.g. 80 cm)

A unit used to create longer sections of crack features. Double flatends enables multiple units to be stacked against it. Shaped fibreglassbody for comfort on the feet and a modern look. Slick outer surface toencourage jamming. Individual unit enables the setter freedom to set atdesired width and with other holds, volumes or wall features. Minimumwidth tight hands. Maximum width unlimited.

Units can be used singularly, stacked together or used with side wallsand other volumes to create cracks.

Crack depths allows off-width techniques to be used such as stacking andkneelocks.

Rounded crack edges provide comfort for feet.

Each unit comprises a fibreglass body with soft grip inner 1098(illustrated in FIG. 27E).

Dual textured to force jamming technique.

Dual density to provide structural rigidity but comfort when jamming.

Dimensions are shown by way of non-limiting example.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosedin detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it isunderstood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodimentsshown and that various changes and modifications can be effected thereinby one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A crack climbing unit comprising a body having an inwardly facingjamming surface, the surface being provided with a compliant liner.
 2. Aunit as claimed in claim 1, in which the body is formed from a materialselected from: fibreglass; wood; metal; plastics.
 3. A unit as claimedin claim 1, in which the unit comprises a generally flat jamming surfaceand an inclined back.
 4. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in which the unitis generally wedge shape in section.
 5. A unit as claimed in anypreceding claim, in which the unit comprises a fixing flange.
 6. A unitas claimed in claim 1, in which the liner comprises a rippled orcorrugated inner face.
 7. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in which theliner is textured.
 8. A system as claimed in claim 1, in which the linerprovides an undulating inner jamming surface.
 9. A unit as claimed inclaim 1, in which the liner is formed separately from and is attachableto the jamming surface.
 10. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in which theliner is bonded to the body.
 11. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in whichthe unit includes a flange for fixing to a climbing wall.
 12. A unit asclaimed in claim 1, in which the unit comprises or can be associatedwith an end cap at either or both ends thereof.
 13. A crack climbingsystem comprising separate first and second units according to claim 1,the units are arrangeable with the inner jamming surface opposed todefine a desired crack width.
 14. A climbing crack system according toclaim 13, comprising: one or more central sections, the or each centralsection comprising separate first and second central units eachincluding an inner jamming surface, the central units are arrangeablewith the inner jamming surface opposed; a first end cap sectioncomprising separate first and second end cap parts each including aninner jamming surface; and a second end cap section comprising separatefirst and second end cap parts each including an inner jamming surface.15. A climbing wall provided with one or more units according to claim1.